Today was a good combination of excellent snow and a decent temperature. The wind finally drove us into the house but not before getting a few runs in on the hill next to the house. Nothing like the first sliding day of the season. The snow is so white that it is almost blue. The sound of the trees creaking in the wind makes you think that they are just about to snap. The dogs were waiting patiently at the slider door, but weren't too interested in coming out to play. They are the hothouse flowers of the family. Now it's time for some hot chocolate and sitting in front of the pellet stove.